SEASIDE PARK, N.J. (CBS) — New Jersey Governor Chris Christie returned to Seaside Heights on Saturday to take a look at the damage wrought by the inferno that destroyed several blocks of boardwalk, and consumed dozens of businesses.

Christie’s visit wasn’t just a disaster tour — he met with local residents and business owners affected by Thursday’s devastating blaze (read related story). The governor says his administration has been working since then to draw up a strategy.

“We’ve already come up with some plans and ideas to be able to help them in a really significant way, at the state level,” Christie said. “And we’ll try to get some help from the federal level as well.”

Although locals are reeling from a disaster double whammy, Christie says there’s no time to waste.

“Some people are telling me how sad they felt it was,” the governor said, “and I said ‘fine, sadness is over now.’ We had two days to feel sad about this, and it’s legitimately a sad thing. But we’ve got work to do now.”

Christie said even though the fire was huge, the damage could have been a lot worse.

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